WAYFINDING Cognitive mapping and signage Universal Access Navigating

WAYFINDING Cognitive mapping and signage

Universal Access Navigating buildings should accommodate a diverse population Healthy and cognitively aware People with Physical Disabilities People from other cultures – different language People with mental and intellectual disabilities Illiterate ADA provides ways to make sure signage is physically accessible, but it does not address universal access to all users.

What wayfinding is not…. Simply providing signage First used by architect Kevin Lynch in 1960 to refer to maps, street numbers, and directional signs. This reference has caused confusion and misunderstanding of the term “wayfinding”.

Definitions Wayfinding: A system of text, graphics and tactile information at the right time and the right place to guide people to their destinations. It is a process that people use to navigate unfamiliar surroundings. Cognitive mapping: A person’s internal spatial representation of points, lines, areas and surfaces that are learned, experienced and recorded in quantitative and qualitative forms serving to spatially orient the wayfinder.

Reality vs. Human Mental Memory Geographical map vs cognitive mental map

Reasons designers should understand cognitive mapping in the built environment: Because people use connotative mapping to find their way through a space It helps people return to their point of origin It is used by those that have intellectual disabilities (memory loss, dementia, illiterate, etc) Helps with evacuation in case of an emergency

Hidden barriers Signs, directories and maps do not work for all populations Floor plans are hard to read for many people Inability to interpret building directories (people that cannot read speak English. )

Key Factors in better wayfinding Spatial Organization Landmarks Signage Directories Maps Color and Lighting

Spatial Organization The first major component in wayfinding. Use architectural features that define different areas such as archways, columns, varied ceiling heights and differentiated fenestration. Create destination zones such as food courts, atriums, cafeteria. These offer orientation points for giving directions Provide spatial overview opportunities that allow the individual to view the space from various view points to check out exits, passageways, etc. Consider the overall layout. Avoid symmetrical layouts. These can be confusing unless each side is distinctly different. Use color, lighting, landmarks and signage to clearly mark paths and exiting areas.

Landmarks Ideal for people with cognitive disabilities as well as those that cannot read or speak the native language Use distinct shapes, colors, lighting, kiosks, unique artwork, photographs or sculpture. Architectural features such as columns, archways and fenestration Landmarks should be paired with appropriate signage to convey important information and guide individuals. Sounds and smells can also be effective in creating a stronger cognitive map. (popcorn kiosk)

Signage Useful in communicating necessary information such as destinations, exits. Placement, readability and color are critical factors to consider Text should be paired with graphic images for non-readers Color can be used to reinforce and relate to the environment Must be place at regular intervals, particularly at decision points Perpendicular to the path of travel, above eye level and appropriately illuminated.

Directories Assists the wayfinder in finding desired locations. Requires the skill of decoding the information Frequently paired with maps Cluster information in small groupings of 5 items or less Accompany text with graphic information Use a simple color-coding system that coordinates with the map Place directories pertaining to that specific floor on each floor

Maps Typically located with a directory, maps are helpful when the are easy to read Often problematic for people with intellectual disabilities as well as many people that cannot translate 2 D to 3 D space “You are here” marking are helpful Place map on the specific floor Provide locations for restrooms, strollers, restaurants, telephones, emergency shelters, first aid and information kiosks. Use color-coding as a reinforcement Use lighting that does not produce glare on the map

Color and Lighting Color can act as a reinforcement Should never be used as the primary source of wayfinding because there a number of people with color vision deficiency Lighting (natural and electric) can highlight various architectural features, maps, signage and landmarks. Lighting can highlight a path, especially during emergency exiting

ADA REQUIREMENTS Refer to Handout